The secret Facebook group – which has 45,000 members – will hold its inaugural fundraiser for men’s mental health at the Kearsley Hotel, near Cessnock, next month.

The Virtual Pub was started by a group of Singleton mates in March this year and now has members from as far away as Florida and Sweden.

Co-founder Ryan Bown said the idea of the group was to create a space for men to engage in everything from pub-style banter to serious discussion – from the comfort of their own homes.

“For some people with anxiety and depression, it’s hard to get out to the pub,” he said.

“It’s a great bunch of blokes, everyone’s willing to help.

“There are no silly questions, and no stupid answers.”

Cessnock’s Callum Orchard joined The Virtual Pub about four months ago and has become an active participant.

Mr Orchard has battled depression – he reached his lowest point on Anzac Day 2016, when he tried to take his own life.

He says he wants to give back to others who need help.

“I don’t want anyone to feel the way I felt that day,” he said.

Mr Orchard put the idea of holding a fundraiser for the Black Dog Institute to his mates at The Virtual Pub and has been overwhelmed with support.

He said the Black Dog Institute not only does important work for mental health research and treatment, the name itself resonates with many members of The Virtual Pub.

“Often someone will start a post by saying ‘I’ve had a rough day, the black dog is nipping at my heels’,” he said.

“It’s not just a fundraiser, it’s shining a light on the fact that you can talk about it (depression).

“If you can face the black dog every day, you’re f***ing brave, but if you can turn around and talk about it, you’re even braver.”

The fundraiser will start at 11.30am and will include live music, a motorcycle show and shine, silent auction and more.

Find out more at the Facebook event ‘Virtual Pub puts bite on the dog’.